Sally Hawkins joins new BBC and Focus Films drama “Jane Eyre”

There have been rumours recently regarding the number of stars interested in the latest BBC film adaptation of Bronte’s Jane Eyre, with names such as Dame Judi Dench, Jamie Bell, Holliday Grainger, Imogen Poots, Tamzin Merchant (Pride and Prejudice) and our lovely Sally Hawkins all seeking a role as part of the supporting cast.

The BBC finally confirmed the final cast list in their press release on March 19th.

This 2011 BBC collaboration with Focus Films will be directed by Cary Fukunaga of Sin Nombre fame with the screenplay by Moira Buffini, and the lead role will be played by the young Australian actress Mia Wasikowska (fresh from her title role in Alice in Wonderland) and Michael Fassbender (Inglourious Basterds) will feature as Edward Rochester.

The supporting cast will include Judi Dench as Mrs Fairfax and Jamie Bell as St John.

Our favourite Sally Hawkins will starr as Mrs. Reed, a role previously played by Tara Fitzgerald in the 2006 BBC TV adaptation, and it will be very interesting to see Sally take on what is essentially the part of the villain in the book – as a cruel aunt to the heroine Jane Eyre – a bitter character in absolute contrast to e.g. Poppy in Happy-Go-Lucky.

In the latter half of the book, Sarah Reed suffers from a stroke and as Jane attempts a reconciliation with her aunt, there is potential for a lot more screentime for Sally.

Hopefully more news will be available soon, and you can keep up-to-date with the latest news via the IMDb entry for Jane Eyre. Alternatively, feel free to check back here or subscribe to our news feed!

Updated 01/04/2010: With thanks to mka and Malinda for correcting my errors!